A national survey of psychosocial intervention training and skills in early intervention services in England
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/17556228200800011 |
| Published date | 01 June 2008 |
| Date | 01 June 2008 |
| Pages | 15-22 |
| Author | Alison Brabban,Mike Kelly |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care |
15
Anational survey of psychosocial
intervention training and skills in early
intervention services in England
Alison Brabban
Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Tees, Esk & Wear Valleys Mental Health Trust/University of Durham
Mike Kelly
Consultant Nurse, Dorset Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust/Bournemouth University
The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice Volume 3 Issue 2 June 2008 © Pavilion Journals (Brighton) Ltd
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the level of training
in psychosocial interventions among staff in the
119 early intervention in psychosis (EIP) teams that
wereestablished at the time. A brief questionnaire
was sent to each of the teams asking for details of
the composition of the team, and for details of any
training in psychosocial interventions (PSI) the
members of the team had undergone. Fifty-two
questionnaires were returned (44%). Over half of
the teams had input from social workers, clinical
psychologists and occupational therapists to
compliment the nursing provision, though less
than 50% employed supportworkers or had
specific psychiatryinput. All but two of the teams
returning the questionnaire had members of staff
trained in PSI though the type of training tended
to reflect availability of local training provision.
The results are discussed and practical
recommendations are made to ensure evidence-
based care is implemented within EIP.
Key words
psychosocial interventions; early intervention;
training; psychosis
Introduction
Early intervention is defined as a paradigm of care for
young people with a first episode of psychosis. The key
components comprise early detection of psychosis,
reduction in treatment delay and phase specific treatment
(during the first three years of illness). Early intervention
in psychosis (EIP) teams have been set up to be highly
specialised entities (Marshall et al,2004) that deliver
effective and appropriate interventions as well as being
competent to work sensitively to address the distinct needs
within the culture of this young client group (SCMH,
2003). Skills in psychosocial interventions are seen as
essential for practitioners working with individuals with
an early psychosis (Craig, 2003). These skills should be
utilised and tailored to the needs of young people with a
view to facilitating recovery. Interventions used in EIP
teams tend to be more psychosocially orientated than
standard treatments developed for people with psychosis
beyond the first episode and the more persistently ill
subgroups (McGorry et al,1996).
For EIP teams to be effective, it is essential that early
intervention services deliver the fundamental components
of the approach faithfully, as defined by the evidence. In
particular,practitioners working in these services need to
be skilled with the values, knowledge, experience and
attitudes that are pertinent to working with young people
(SCMH, 2003).
Rationale for study
Asurvey carried out by Singh et al in 2003 of adult, child
and adolescent mental health services in south London
concluded that staff had insufficient skills to deliver
appropriate specialist interventions such as cognitive
behavioural therapy, family interventions, vocational
employment services and dual diagnosis care to individuals
presenting with a first episode of psychosis. Similarly, Craig
(2003) highlighted that few staff in early intervention
services for psychosis were trained and competent to deliver
psychosocial interventions. Also Fadden et al (2004)
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